Vice President of the United States leads promotion ceremony for National Space Council’s Director of National Security Space Policy

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

For The Press and Standard

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- On April 4, Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, National Space Council director of national security space policy, celebrated his promotion to brigadier general with a ceremony officiated by Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

“To be present at this event with the Vice President means the world to my family and friends,” said Middleton, who was officially promoted in December 2022. “I am very happy to be able to publicly express my gratitude to them in this manner.”

Led by the Vice President, the National Space Council was established in 1989, and ensures the United States capitalizes on potential opportunities presented by our nation’s space activities. It also advises and assists the President on the development and implementation of space policy and strategy.

“The all-inclusive space scope of the National Space Council makes it critical to the U.S.’s success in the space domain,” Middleton said. “Ultimately, as the Vice President has stated, our work is about providing opportunity on the Earth–from national security to discovery and inspiration, to combating the climate crisis.”

Middleton’s military career began in 1992, with a desire to serve and better himself, when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after college. He obtained his commission as an officer six years later. Identified as a problem-solver early-on, Middleton’s long history of civil engineering assignments and experiences now assist him in leading the way within the space domain.

After 29 years of service in the Air Force, Middleton was selected to transition into the Space Force and officially became a Guardian in 2019.

With a new rank in his role with the National Space Council, Middleton will continue to aid the White House in developing policies that synchronize civil, commercial, national security and international space operations. “As these sectors become more overlapped, it is critical there is a national entity that looks across all these sectors to ensure we get the most out of our space sectors and drive towards synergies that benefit people across the Nation and the world,” Middleton said.